Parking and road rules

Without parking and road rules our streets would be chaotic as people clog bus lanes or park wherever they want for as long as they want. Rules, fines and parking fees are tools used in most cities to help moderate motorists' behaviour and reduce traffic congestion.

How do I interpret parking signs?

Privately-owned car parking facilities

While we advise that motorists observe all parking restrictions on and off-street, Auckland Transport has no control over the operation and/or towage of vehicles from private car parking spaces or facilities.

Should a motorist receive an infringement notice from a privately-owned enforcement authority, or is towed while parked on private property, they will need to contact the property owner or towage company directly.

White triangle road marking

A white triangle road marking can be used to advise motorists that the kerbside space is less than five metres or isn't suitable for parking a standard sized vehicle.

This road marking is non-statutory and isn't covered in the New Zealand Road Code. It is an advisory marking to indicate that the space isn't appropriate for standard sized vehicles.

A white triangle is sometimes installed between vehicle entrances where a standard vehicle will likely cut off the vehicle entrance. However, the kerbside space may still be suitable for a small vehicle or motorbike.

Bylaw-making and operation

There are two primary bylaw-making entities in Auckland – the Auckland Council and Auckland Transport. Local boards may propose bylaws to the Governing Body of Council that will only apply only in that local board. Other Road Controlling Authorities in the region also have bylaw making powers under the Land Transport Act 1998.

AT's Off-Street Price Adjustment Policy (PDF 273KB) explains how off-street parking rates will be adjusted based on demand while prioritising short-term parking. It also explains how the mix of different parking options (leases, early birds etc) will be managed. Currently, this policy is only applicable to parking buildings within the Auckland CBD.